Canada's Oil Sands - Centre for Energy

minimize their consequences. For example, by detecting breaks earlier, when they are the
size of pinholes, the amount of fluid that may be released into a groundwater aquifer is
significantly reduced.
In the late 1990s, an extensive investigation of groundwater quality around in-situ heavy oil
operations was conducted by Komex International Ltd. and Imperial Oil. The study found
that regional groundwater quality had not been affected by in-situ operations. The study
also recommended that the monitoring of groundwater quality be enhanced. The enhanced
monitoring systems determine groundwater conditions prior to new developments, as well as
monitor groundwater quality during the operating life of the development.
Local and regional air quality
Oil sands mining, processing and upgrading produce emissions that affect air quality. New
technology and more efficient operations have greatly reduced emissions per barrel of
production, but the rapid increase in production has led to increases in some emissions
such as oxides of nitrogen (NO x
). Alberta authorities have stated that they will be watching
closely the cumulative effect of air emissions.
Between 1990 and 2010, the annual average NOx concentration increased between 18
and 36 per cent at monitoring stations in the Ft. McMurray area. However, mean annual
NOx concentrations in the oil sands regions remain below those in Edmonton and Calgary
and are well below regulatory limits. NOx emissions contribute to acid deposition and
also combine with volatile organic compounds and particulate matter in the presence of
sunlight to form ground-level ozone or smog. According to Environment Canada data, oil
sands accounted for 5.5 per cent of Alberta’s total emissions of NOx in 2010. Companies
have committed to use “best available technology economically achievable” to reduce NOx
emissions. For example, new truck engines emit considerably less NOx and gas-fired heaters
must comply with strict “low-NOx” emission standards.
Emissions of sulphur compounds and hydrocarbons also affect local air quality. Syncrude
and Suncor have reduced these by capturing gases formerly released into the atmosphere
or burned in open flares. The gases are captured in flue gas desulphurization units that
produce sulphur for use in making gypsum (Suncor) or fertilizer (Syncrude).
Upgraders remove up to 99.8 per cent of the sulphur from bitumen by converting it into
elemental sulphur or retaining it in the coke byproduct, so it is not released with endproduct
combustion. The remaining sulphur is released into the atmosphere as sulphur
dioxide (SO2). This may combine with water vapour to form sulphurous acid or sulphuric
acid and contribute to acid deposition that affects forests and water resources. According
to Environment Canada data, oil sands projects accounted for 35 per cent of Alberta’s total
sulphur dioxide emissions in 2010.
The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association monitors air quality in Fort McMurray and the
surrounding area. Monitoring includes continuous air quality data and periodic air samples.
Air quality in the region generally compares favourably with that of Alberta cities such as
Edmonton, Calgary and Fort Saskatchewan. Monitoring results in 2008 showed:
• The one-hour average readings for sulphur dioxide in Fort McMurray, Fort McKay and
Fort Chipewyan were below provincial objectives for ambient air quality
• There were two exceedances of the one-hour provincial objectives for sulphur
26 CANADA’S OIL SANDS THIRD edition November 2011